cranberry conserve

i was already looking through some recipes today for the holidays, which will be here before many days.  this recipe is one of the easier ones to make for a festive Christmas celebration. a conserve is a thicker jam product with lots of texture.

easy cranberry conserve is made with either 3 cups fresh cranberries which are from the produce section of the market, or frozen fresh cranberries.  this is usually one 12 ounce bag of cranberries.

combine the cranberries with 1 cup of orange juice and 1 cup of sugar in a heavy saucepan.  cook over medium heat, while stirring until the cranberries begin to pop open.  this will take about five minutes.  remove the conserve from the heat, add chopped walnuts if desired, let cool in jars and then refrigerate.

the conserve is best used within a couple of weeks stored in the refrigerator.  this recipe does not require using canning techniques, as the product is always kept refrigerated.  this recipe will make four small jars.

i serve the conserve with turkey for christmas or thanksgiving, as well as with turkey sandwiches as left overs.  this conserve has just the correct amount of sweet versus tart flavor.  in addition, the orange juice adds a wonderful taste to the product.

cranberry conserve is easy, quick and very flavorful as an addition to holiday cooking !